US embassy cable - 05ROME1685

UNCLAS ROME 001685 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
FROM THE U.S. MISSION TO THE UN AGENCIES IN ROME 
 
STATE FOR IO FOR TERRY MILLER, IO/EDA BEHREND AND KOTOK 
USDA FOR FAS REICH AND HUGHES 
AID FOR FFP LANDIS AND THOMPSON 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: AORC, EAGR, FAO 
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR AMBASSADOR HALL TO MEET WITH FAO DG 
DIOUF 
 
REF:A. STATE 89950 
B. ROME 669 
C. STATE 32130 
 
1. The Ambassador, on May 16, delivered to FAO Director 
General Jacques Diouf ref A talking points regarding US 
support for the candidacy for Eric Bost for FAO's Deputy 
Director General position. The Ambassador told Diouf that 
Bost was a superb candidate with excellent credentials. He 
noted that the US Government starting at the White House 
was behind Bost's candidacy. The Ambassador added that he 
was happy to lend his own unqualified personal endorsement 
for Bost. 
 
2. In response, Diouf said that he believes the Deputy 
Position "belongs to an American" and should remain with an 
an 
American when the present incumbent retires. He added that 
he was happy to hear of the White House's and the 
Ambassador's personal support for Bost. They tell how 
excellent Bost is as a candidate for the position, he 
remarked. 
 
3. Comment. Although it is still uncertain when exactly the 
current Deputy, David Harcharik, plans to retire, he has 
told us that he would expect to do so sometime next year, 
following FAO's biennial Conference in December.  Making 
clear the US' support for Eric Bost at this early stage of 
the process will influence it in favor of our position. In 
this regard, Diouf's response to the Ambassador's points 
was about as positive as could be possible now. We will 
take advantage of the upcoming FAO Food Security Committee 
meetings, where Bost will head the US delegation, to 
introduce him to Rome-based permanent representatives, 
senior members of the FAO secretariat, and Diouf, himself. 
The DCM will follow up with discussions with other senior 
people, including Diouf's chief of staff Savini. End 
Comment. 
 
HALL 
 
 
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	2005ROME01685 - Classification: UNCLASSIFIED